Animam returns as Gilas trim pool to 17 for Pre-OQT

Jack Animam has rejoined the Gilas Pilipinas Women program as head coach BT Toews trimmed the national team's training pool to 17 players ahead of the 2028 FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament scheduled for August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The 6-foot-5 center returns to the national team after last suiting up for the Philippines in the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup and is expected to anchor an imposing frontline alongside 6-foot Kacey Dela Rosa and 6-foot-2 Tiffany Reyes.

Dela Rosa rejoins the 5-on-5 national team after spending the past several months competing in the 3x3 circuit, while 15-year-old Reyes receives her first invitation to train with the senior squad.

Fresh off signing with WKBL club Busan BNK, Vanessa De Jesus has also been designated as the Philippines' restricted player.

Also included in the final pool are veterans Afril Bernardino, Jhazmin Joson, Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejos, Angel Surada, Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Monique Del Carmen.

First-time senior national team invitees Camille Malagar, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Jaz Salon likewise earned spots in the squad. Salon is a 5-foot-3 Filipino-Australian point guard currently playing for Colorado State University Pueblo.

Sophia Dignadice rounds out the 17-player roster as another promising young prospect.

The Philippines was drawn into Group B alongside host Mexico, Canada, and Senegal. The top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover semifinals, with the tournament champion earning a berth in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.